Fellow Oaklanders, As we move through this unprecedented public health order to shelter in place , I want to reach out with a few key reminders about what we can do until April 7. We can play and exercise in our beautiful parks and open spaces. We can shop and enjoy our favorite grocery store or farmer’s market. We can bring food and necessities to our loved ones and neighbors in need. The essential parts of our lives will continue, and we will continue to move through this pandemic with resilience and grace. Let’s stay in, order out, and take care of each other. If you have more questions about the public health order, here’s an FAQ . To read the order in full, click here .

On Monday afternoon we stood as one City to explain how leaders will approach the next three weeks to address the concerns of our renters, senior residents, immigrant families, and families in West and East Oakland. We emphasized that our food supply is well stocked – and there is no need to hoard items – and that our law enforcement will serve to educate the public about the order and prevent the spread of COVID-19. Click here to watch the entire press conference that features Councilmembers Nikki Fortunato Bas , Dan Kalb , Noel Gallo , Lynette Gibson McElhaney , and Loren Taylor.

Even though our schools remain closed, OUSD will continue to provide meals for all children. Parents looking for sites to pick up free grab n’ go meals on Mondays and Thursdays, here’s a list of locations and times for pick ups . BTW: Children do not have to be OUSD students. Food is free to any child under 18.

To assist our small local businesses and non profits , we’ve set up a one-stop website where both employers and workers can find updated information on resources – from sick pay laws to emergency loan information. Additionally, our partners at kiva.org have agreed to increase loans and delay repayment schedules in response to COVID-19 . Kiva is a low-barrier, NO INTEREST, micro-lending platform. It can literally save your business during this time, and it is also a great place for lenders to support our local businesses.

On Monday night, we also held a virtual town hall live on homelessness and COVID-19 – and I want to thank every resident who submitted questions to our panel of experts. If you joined the discussion (or want to watch it here ), you heard about a survey that will help our City Council consider some basic policy questions about homeless encampments and encampment engagement. We want to hear from you, and this is your chance to help guide the process. Click here to take the survey . Finally, we want to keep you updated regularly, so please follow our social media channels on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram .   Stay home and stay healthy, Mayor Libby Schaaf